Background
Barhale Ltd was engaged to deliver a critical infrastructure upgrade – the installation of a 3.5 km replacement rising sewer main between Haydon End Sewage Pumping Station and Swindon Sewage Treatment Works. The project route traversed both Swindon Borough and Wiltshire County, requiring careful planning and compliance with environmental regulations, particularly regarding noise and vibration control due to proximity to residential areas.
Anderson Acoustics was commissioned to secure lawful construction hours and protect nearby communities by preparing the Section 61 prior-consent submissions and delivering a complete construction noise & vibration management strategy.
Challenge
The main challenge was to undertake extensive underground pipeline works using both trenchless (micro-tunnelling) and open-cut techniques close to noise-sensitive receptors, including residential neighborhoods and nature reserves.
The project required 24/7 tunnelling operations at certain locations, raising concerns about potential noise impacts, community disruption, and compliance with the Control of Pollution Act 1974. Securing Section 61 consent from local authorities was essential to proceed lawfully and responsibly.
What We Did
Regulatory strategy & submissions
- Prepared Section 61 applications to two local authorities (Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council), coordinating technical content, programme assumptions and scope across the route;
- Compiled the Construction Noise Schedule (CNS) from method statements, plant lists and working hours to create a clear evidence base for consent.
Prediction & assessment
- Built a BS 5228-1 construction noise model for worst-case and average workdays at nearest receptors; undertook BS 5228-2 vibration risk screening;
- Tested results against council criteria and insulation/rehousing thresholds to demonstrate compliance margins.
Best Practicable Means (BPM)
- Specified impact-led controls: screening for static plant, fitment of silencers/mufflers, and logistics time controls (e.g., deliveries/muck-away in core hours) embedded directly into the consent packages.
Monitoring regime
- Designed the noise & vibration monitoring approach to the authorities’ requirements, including unattended monitoring and reporting protocols to support rapid issue resolution during sensitive phases.
Stakeholder Liasion
- Led technical liaison with SBC/WC officers, ensuring assumptions, hours and mitigation were agreed up-front reducing risk to programme once works commenced.
Result
- Consent Secured: Section 61 consent was successfully obtained from the two local authorities, allowing works to proceed with agreed BPM and monitoring conditions;
- Minimised Impact: Predicted noise levels at all sensitive receptors were kept below insulation thresholds, meaning no temporary rehousing was required. Continuous monitoring ensured compliance and rapid response to any issues;
- Efficient Delivery: The project’s structured approach enabled efficient progress on a complex, multi-phase pipeline installation, balancing engineering needs with environmental and community responsibilities.
Why the noise monitoring mattered
- Kept the programme moving: live evidence supported permission for extended working windows where justified, avoiding costly stand-downs;
- Protected communities: continuous measurement and clear triggers meant issues were prevented rather than reacted to, maintaining trust with residents and regulators;
- Proved compliance: transparent reporting against BS 5228 predictions underpinned successful consenting and smooth delivery.
Project Progress
The works were completed December 2024.
